kcterrell-25046
OK a hundred things wrong with this movie; and a hundred things right. But, in the end everything works out the way everyone wants. The high point of the film is David Carradine, an exceptionally under-rated actor. His character transformation is too sudden, but hey John Ford didn't direct this. There is nice cinematography and good acting all around, backed by a story that is fairly believable and satisfying. Wouldn't watch it again, but didn't feel cheated watching it this time.
killerquean
Sad to say that a movie with David Carradine and Wes Studi could be a Xmas turkey. The kids are constantly mugging (as opposed to acting), "Wyoming" in December replete with cacti and sunny, snow-free landscape(?!!)--all the stock characters of a Fifties Western are here, but not even John Wayne could have rescued this movie.Michael Parks is the only actor who is really trying, the rest are very trying, indeed. If you want to see the principal players (Carradine & Studi) working their full range of ability, rent/buy "Commanche Moon" or "Bound for Glory". You can catch glimpses here of Studi at least trying to inhabit the role of a very amateur effort. Yes, if you want a G-rated movie for young children, this would work. Sadly, Nicholas the dog gets better direction and lines than his fellow actors. The notable exception is the mustachioed stage driver (Buck Taylor), who appeared in a supporting role in a fantastic Western-- "Tombstone" as Turkey Creek Jack Johnson.If you're looking for something uplifting, get "Little House on The Prairie" or "Dr Quinn", which appear to be the inspiration for this movie-of-the-week knock-off. This was one of a triptych of movies (three movie set for $5), which says it all. Rent this for the kiddies, if you're into faith-based fare, then go out and get a real Western where the actors get to shine, e.g.,any of the Lonseome Dove mini-series, "Tombstone", "Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee", or even "Hidalgo", a great family movie which slipped under the radar a few years back.
ljmartin
I sat down with my wife, an NYT best selling romance and women's suspense writer, and, along with her, was moved by this movie. The cinematography was particularly touching, bringing out the best of the country and excellent portrayal of horse backing and wagon movement. The children were excellent, not forced. The apparel, set design, firearms, and tack was both accurate and properly used. As a student of the old west, I can say the conflict came about realistically, and could have been taken right out of the history books..which is a good thing, as many attempted westerns get so many thing haywire. Rent or buy this film.
actorbro
Thadd Turner is a true western writer. The realism in the film reminds me of Unforgiven. The story reminds me of Shane. The whole feeling of the film from the photography to the music and the acting has that resonance of how it really was back then. Westerns are my favorite type of film and this one is excellent. If you like a good exciting story and if you like westerns, then this one is for you. The casting is great too. You have David Carridine, Michael Parks, Wes Studi, Rance Howard, who turns in a great performance as the Doctor, and believe it or not Buck Taylor from Gunsmoke, and Thadd Turner too! The whole cast turns in excellent performances all around. James Intveld directed and did the music, both an excellent achievement. His directing gave it that real hometown feel. You don't get the feeling the actors are acting like in some movies. The music brought you into the old west. You really get the sense how tough you had to be back then and how hard it was to make ends meet. We take a lot for granted these days, but that's how we started the west always hoping for a miracle.